Sometimes Leadership Means Saying "No" ...

Saying "no" as a leader can be a smart move.

Especially if your company is attempting to take on a well-established giant.

Take Dell Computers, for example. Reuters News reports that Dell has plans to take on the ever-popular Apple ipod. From a story based on a Wall Street Journal report,

"... the music player which Dell has been testing features a small navigation screen and basic button controls to scroll through music play lists, the Journal reported."

The story recalls Dell's previous failed attempts at leveraging the MP3 market:

"[Dell's device] would connect to online music services via a Wi-Fi Internet connection, and Dell would likely price the model at less than $100, the Journal said. Dell's first foray into the music market in 2003 was a huge disappointment. It withdrew from the music-player market after its DJ Ditty player failed to make major inroads."

I am predicting that this will be another failed attempt on Dell's part. There is little to separate their new MP3 player from the ipod, except for pricepoint. The mp3 market is already saturated with players in the $50 - $150 USD range.

With little to distinguish their product, I would have encouraged Dell's leadership to have said "no" to this project.

Time will tell.

... another thought ....

"One must work and dare if one really wants to live."

- Vincent Van Gogh

Interesting Quote

"I must continue to follow the path I take now. If I do nothing, if I study nothing, if I cease searching, then, woe is me, I am lost. That is how I look at it — keep going, keep going come what may.

But what is your final goal, you may ask. That goal will become clearer, will emerge slowly but surely, much as the rough draught turns into a sketch, and the sketch into a painting through the serious work done on it, through the elaboration of the original vague idea and through the consolidation of the first fleeting and passing thought."

- Attributed to Vincent Van Gogh

You're Invited ...

... to an Open House at the Cleveland Aikikai (Aikido school) in Cleveland, Ohio.

If you're interested in the leadership approach that I discussed in my book Leading People the Black Belt Way: Conquering the Five Core Problems Facing Leaders Today, then you owe it to yourself to visit the Cleveland Aikikai next Saturday, June 28, 2008.

Here's the information:

Cleveland Aikikai


Evolved from the ancient arts of the Samurai, Aikido is a modern martial art that emphasizes peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution – ending the at-tack without harming the attacker. While most martial artists are taught to only use their training in the event of an unprovoked attack, Aikido is also considered a spiritual path of self development with self defense techniques designed to prevent injury to the attacker. There are no competitions or tournaments in Aikido and students of all ages and physical abilities progress at their own pace.


• Aikido Demonstrated by Adults & Children

• Iaido—the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese Sword

• Snacks & Refreshments


Date: 06/28/2008
Time: 10:00 AM—2:00

Located in Cleveland Heights on Mayfield Rd just west of Warrensville Center Road
Date: 06/28/2008
Time: 10:00 AM—2:00
For more information, call 440.725.9494


You can download a flyer here.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about Aikido!

Keynote Speaking in California

Hi all!

I've been busy these past couple of days, presenting a keynote address in Long Beach, California. (I'm typing this at LAX as I wait for my flight home.)

I spoke to a group called the California County Information Services Directors Association (CCISSDA). The title of my speech was:

Collaborative IT Leadership: Are You Pushing, Pulling or Actually Leading People?


Great group of people ... and Long Beach is a beautiful city. I'm hoping to vlog a bit more when I get the chance.

My brother Patrick Warneka ... a professional photographer ... came along to shoot photos. Here's one of me from the night of our arrival.

Personal learnings from this trip? Breathe, stay flexible and listen carefully.

New Media Interview - The Black Belt Way

I was recently interviewed at Web Wise Business by Chris Curtis. Chris and I talked about "Martial Arts Mindpower for Business."

Here's the interview:



Enjoy!

Tim

A Loss to the Music World ...

I often listen to music when I am working. I particularly like blues and jazz, both style as mellow or rockin' as my mood permits. I've been super busy with business, so I was sadden to hear of the March 2, 2008 death of Toronto guitar player Jeff Healey.

One of my favorite tunes Jeff played with the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn (not the best video quality in the world):



...and here's a heart-felt goodbye to Jeff, written by Nathalie Vanderheyden

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff's wife and children.